Plates London has unexpectedly emerged as a beacon of innovation in the culinary world, specially in the plant-primarily based totally eating scene. Located at 320 Old Street in Shoreditch, this intimate 25-cowl eating place has garnered great interest for its resourceful technique to vegan delicacies.
In February 2025, Plates made headlines for its specific and inventive tackle plant-primarily based totally meals, mixing high-quality eating with sustainability and wellness. With a menu unfastened from meat, dairy, gluten, and delicate sugar, Plates London gives a eating revel in this is each indulgent and nourishing.
The Concept Behind Plates London
Plates London changed into based with the aid of using acclaimed chef Kirk Haworth, who comes from a history in Michelin-starred kitchens. His imaginative and prescient eating place changed into stimulated with the aid of using his non-public fitness adventure and a deep dedication to sustainable eating. The eating place makes a speciality of the usage of seasonal, organic, and regionally sourced components to create dishes which are as visually lovely as they’re flavorful.
Each dish at Plates is crafted with a robust emphasis on herbal flavors, texture, and inventive presentation. The eating place aims to show that plant-primarily based total meals may be state-of-the-art and satisfying, making it an attractive preference for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
The Dining Experience at Plates London
Plates London gives a tasting menu that adjustments often to mirror seasonal components and the chef’s modern inspirations. The dishes are designed to interact with all of the senses, growing a multi-dimensional eating revel in. Some of the standout factors of the revel in include:
Creative Presentation – Each plate is designed to appear to be a piece of art, with colourful shades and elaborate plating strategies.
Balanced Flavors – The menu functions a concord of sweet, bitter, salty, and umami flavors, crafted to perfection.
Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing – Ingredients are sourced from moral suppliers, making sure that each dish aligns with the eating place’s sustainability goals.
Notable Dishes and Menu Highlights
The menu at Plates London adjustments frequently, however a number of the most talked-approximately dishes nowadays include:
Beetroot Tartare – A lovely dish that mimics the feel and richness of conventional tartare, with a mix of earthy, smoky, and tangy flavors.
Pumpkin & Miso Soup – A deeply comforting and umami-wealthy dish, balancing sweetness with the intensity of miso.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse – A guilt-unfastened dessert crafted from wealthy, creamy avocado mixed with darkish chocolate for a luscious finish.
Plates London’s Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the coronary heart of Plates London’s philosophy. The eating place takes more than one measures to limit its environmental impact, including:
Zero-Waste Cooking – The kitchen operates with a robust awareness on lowering meals waste, utilising each part of an element anywhere possible.
Seasonal & Local Ingredients – Ingredients are sourced from nearby farms to lessen carbon footprint and help the community.
Eco-Friendly Packaging – For takeaway and deliveries, Plates makes use of biodegradable and compostable packaging substances.
Tasting Menu (£75)
Kabocha Squash & Ginger Soup
Served with potato dumplings and herbaceous pesto. Accompanied with the aid of using a bitter apple and buckwheat truffle.
Slow Cooked Leeks
Paired with chestnut cream, jalapeño and gooseberry dressing, and frozen verjus.
House Laminated Sourdough Bread
Accompanied with the aid of using whipped spirulina butter and Maldon salt.
Barbecued Maitake Mushroom
Presented with black bean mole, kimchi, aioli, and puffed rice.
Mung & Urad Bean Lasagna
Complemented with the aid of using miso and chive sauce.
Caramelised Lion’s Mane (Supplementary Course: £15)
Served with smoked shio koji, bread caramel, cauliflower cream, and black truffle jus.
Rice Pudding Ice Cream
Accompanied with the aid of using English rhubarb, chewy beets, and mulberries.
Paired with bitter cherry, coconut blossom ice cream, African pepper, toasted macadamia, and uncooked caramel sauce.
Plates London Review
Ambiance and Setting
The eating place gives an intimate eating revel in with a 25-cowl capacity. The indoors layout emphasizes herbal, earthy factors, providing substances like reclaimed stone and recycled linen, growing a comfortable but delicate atmosphere.
Culinary Experience
Plates London offers a seasonal tasting menu that showcases the creativity and technical prowess of Chef Kirk Haworth. Dishes inclusive of barbecued maitake mushroom with black bean mole and the uncooked cacao gateau were specially lauded for his or her intensity of taste and presentation.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised Plates for its capacity to supply a high-quality eating revel in that appeals to both vegans and non-vegans. The Times highlighted the eating place’s outstanding plant-primarily based total menu, noting that it is able to effortlessly win over devoted carnivores.
Reservations and Accessibility
Due to its popularity, securing a reservation at Plates may be challenging, with bookings regularly stuffed months earlier. Prospective diners are suggested to plot in advance and take a look at availability nicely earlier than their favored eating date.
Final Thoughts
Plates London isn’t only a eating place; it’s miles a motion in the direction of healthier, extra sustainable, and progressive eating. With its ever-evolving menu, robust moral values, and dedication to culinary excellence, Plates London is redefining what plant-primarily based totally delicacies may be. Whether you are a dedicated vegan or truely curious about excessive-quit plant-primarily based totally eating, this Shoreditch gem is a must-visit.
FAQs
What is the rate variety at Plates London?
The tasting menu is priced at a top rate level, reflecting the great components and culinary craftsmanship. Expect to pay around £80–£120 in keeping with character for a complete eating revel in.
Does Plates London provide takeaway or delivery?
Currently, the point of interest is at the in-residence eating revel in, however there can be restrained takeaway alternatives available.
What makes Plates London one of a kind from different vegan restaurants?
Plates London combines high-quality eating strategies with plant-primarily based total components, growing an accelerated and inventive eating revel in this is uncommon in the vegan meals scene.
Do you accommodate walk-in visitors?
Yes, Plates London accepts walk-in visitors if there’s availability. However, because of excessive call for and restrained seating, it’s miles beneficial to make a reservation earlier to make sure of a table.
What is the cancellation coverage for reservations?
If you want to cancel or amend your booking, please achieve this at least 48 hours earlier than your reservation to acquire a complete refund of your £25 in keeping with character deposit. Cancellations made inside 24-48 hours of the reservation will forfeit the deposit. Same-day cancellations or no-shows will result in the loss of the deposit and an additional charge of £50 per person to cover menu costs.
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